Undersecretary for Political Planning Holds a Virtual Meeting with New Swiss Ambassador and Geneva Water Hub
The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Planning Affairs Ambassador Dr. Hisham Al Alawi, held a virtual meeting with Switzerland’s new Ambassador to Iraq, and representatives of the Geneva Water Hub, as well the meeting was attended by Head of the Political Planning Department and a number of employees of the Ministry’s relevant departments including the Legal Department, Europe and the Neighboring Countries Departments.
The meeting discussed the “Water for Peace and Development” initiative launched by the Political Planning Department in cooperation with the Geneva Water Hub.
At the meeting Undersecretary Al Alawi highlighted the importance of the strong relations between Iraq and Switzerland, and the remarkable development they have witnessed in recent years, noting the importance of reopening a residing Swiss Embassy in Baghdad last September, as a positive step to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Additionally, Undersecretary Al Alawi explained the pivotal role that Switzerland can play, through its Foreign Ministry and the Geneva Water Hub to support the initiative, given its experience in the field of negotiations and water diplomacy. As well the Undersecretary emphasized that strengthening Iraqi national capabilities in this field contributes to transforming the water issue between Iraq and neighboring countries into a platform for dialogue and regional cooperation, which enhances stability and economic integration, indicating that the Iraqi government pays great attention to water diplomacy, especially since Iraq is one of the countries most affected by climate change in the region.
On his part, the Swiss Ambassador expressed his full support for the initiative, stressing his commitment to contributing to developing Iraqi capacities for negotiations and enhancing dialogue with neighboring countries in this field, in a way that achieves common interests and contributes to the sustainability of water resources.
